from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
handful \hand"ful\ (h[a^]nd"f[.u]l), n.; pl. {handfuls}
(h[a^]nd"f[.u]lz). [AS. handfull.]
1. As much as the hand will grasp or contain. --Addison.
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2. A hand's breadth; four inches. [Obs.]
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Knap the tongs together about a handful from the
bottom. --Bacon.
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3. A small quantity or number.
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This handful of men were tied to very hard duty.
--Fuller.
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4. A person, task, or situation, which is the most that one
can manage; as, my two-year-old is a handful.
[PJC]
{To have one's handful}, to have one's hands full; to have
all one can do. [Obs.]
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They had their handful to defend themselves from
firing. --Sir. W.
Raleigh.
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